WPP CEO Not Surprised Omnicom-Publicis Merger Deal Unraveled

CEO Martin Sorrell Hopes WPP Can Benefit Further From Rivals' Turmoil

LONDON—Martin Sorrell claimed the merger between advertising agencies Omnicom Group Inc. and Publicis Groupe SA lacked fizz the moment the deal was first announced with a champagne toast in Paris last summer.

The chief executive of WPP PLC, the world's biggest advertising firm, said the proposed deal was "driven by ego issues" and a desire to "dislodge WPP."